Milner set to win bumper pay-rise at Aston Villa

Aston Villa are ready to hand James Milner a bumper pay-rise as reward for his stunning form this season.

The England midfielder has two years remaining on his current £45,000-a-week contract.

But Villa boss Martin O'Neill wants to reward him for his performances and tie him down until 2014.

And Milner can expect a £20,000-a-week pay rise this summer to put him alongside highest earner Ashley Young.

O'Neill said: "I said to James a couple of months ago that we would sit down in the summer. This was regardless of whether he plays for England or not. It's what he's doing for us which will determine it. Of course with two years left to run and the player playing so well, it's important that we look at doing something if we can.

"By the time the summer arrives he will be exactly halfway through his contract so it's not a bad time to do something. James and his agent have never pushed for anything and were absolutely OK with leaving it to the summer. I don't know whether that will be before or after the World Cup.

"I think the less cluttered his head is for the next little while, the better. Keep it out of sight. He knows the football club will do their best to look after him, as we have done here with players."